Machinal

By Sophie Treadwell

This was a fascinating script to work with. The thrust stage was done in two levels, with a spiral stair to the second level from the front. The venetian blinds were used for the bedroom scenes and references to partiers beyond.

The lighting was stark and vertical through most of the show. Sound and sound effects were given a lot of attention. The director multiplied the office and crowd parts to develop a chorus-like response. There was substantial vocal repetition and reinforcement of the text, especially on the second level. A street singer provided variations and fragments of "Cielito Lindo."

Various settings entered on a low slipstage at center, often while transitional action transpired above. The bar scene had tables on the second level. The trial scene had the jury above and attorneys on carts that were pushed around the space by costumed stage hands.